Chromecast privacy settings

The Google privacy policy describes how we treat personal information when you use Google's products and services, including Chromecast devices such as Chromecast and devices with Chromecast built-in. This article provides additional information about the privacy settings available to Chromecast users.

Cast usage data and crash reports

Google may collect system activity, crash reports, and usage data (details about how you use the casting functionality of your Cast device, including the apps and domains you cast).

You can control Google's collection of crash reports and usage data through a device setting, which is enabled by default.

For Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices, you can manage this setting through the device settings menu of the Google Home app.

For Android TV devices, you can manage this setting through the Chromecast settings in the settings menu.

For third-party Chromecast built-in devices, you can manage this setting in the device’s utility application settings.

Non-Chromecast, devices with Chromecast built-in

For devices with Chromecast built-in, the settings referenced above only control Google’s collection of information relating to your usage of Chromecast. The manufacturers of devices with Chromecast built-in may collect other information about your usage of those devices pursuant to their privacy policies. To learn more, please reference the privacy policies of the devices you are using.

Please note that Google Fiber devices that are Chromecast-built-in will collect information, including crash reports and usage data, in accordance with Google Fiber’s privacy policies.

Casting from non-Google apps and websites

When you cast content to your Chromecast-enabled device, the application or website that you are using will have its own logging practices and policies with regard to user data. A unique identifier for your Chromecast device may be sent to the operator of that app or website for purposes of digital rights management ("DRM"). To learn more, please reference the privacy policies of the apps or websites you are using.

Performing a factory data reset

You can perform a factory data reset (FDR) on your Chromecast by using one of the two methods listed below:

Option 1:

Open the Google Home app .

In the upper right corner of the home screen, tap Devices to see your available Chromecast devices.

In the top right corner of the device you'd like to FDR, tap the device card menu > Settings.

In the top right corner, tap the More button .

Tap Factory reset or Reset.

Confirm you would like to reset your device by tapping Reset.

Option 2:
While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV, hold down the button on the Chromecast for at least 25 seconds or until the solid LED light begins flashing on the Chromecast device and the TV goes blank and begins the reboot sequence.

Casting from apps and websites

When you cast content to your Chromecast device, the application or website that you are using will have its own logging practices and policies with regard to user data. A unique identifier for your Chromecast device may be sent to the operator of that app or website for purposes of digital rights management ("DRM"). To learn more, please reference the privacy policies of the apps or websites you are using.

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Elise is a Chromecast expert and author of this help page. Leave her feedback below about the page.